I'm Doing Everything Right, Why Can't I Lose Weight?

For those who struggle with weight problems, there is nothing worse than the frustration of not losing weight despite your best efforts to do so. We’re all aware that fad diets produce quick but short-lasting results, destroying the metabolism and optimal body function along the way. However, for those who work slowly over time to change their diet and lifestyle permanently, yet don’t see the transformation they were expecting, it’s easy to become discouraged and even a bit depressed.
Although a lack of results can also indicate that the dietary information that you have is misleading or not correct, some of you will be happy to know that there are other factors that may be at play.

1.
Diet Not Right for Body Type
Even though nutritionists and health advocates recommend many of the same dietary guidelines, the fact remains that there is no right diet for everyone. There are biochemical, genetic and metabolic differences that influence each person’s individual needs. Although the best way to determine the right diet is to take the time to learn and understand your own body, how it reacts to certain foods, what your emotional and mental triggers and food responses are, etc., there are also questionnaires online that can further support and guide you. Some examples of areas you may want to analyze are your Ayurveda body type/doshas, how fast you oxidize glucose, your metabolic type, your blood type, etc.

2.
CandidaCandida is a condition caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the body due to an imbalance of good and bad internal bacteria. Symptoms are extensive and can include a strong craving for sugar (which feeds the yeast), food allergies/intolerances, digestive problems, weight gain, etc.
A clean digestive tract/gut is essential to successful weight loss, which means the Candida will have to be eliminated to achieve any lasting results. It’s also important to consume fermented foods and a daily probiotic to reintroduce healthy bacteria into the body and restore the balance.

3.
Hypothyroidism
A sluggish or underactive thyroid is defined as hypothyroidism, a condition known to cause weight gain, metabolic problems and many other health conditions. Although genetic influences can play a role in the development of thyroid problems, a previous diet that was high in sugar and processed foods may have also impacted the thyroid a. For total recovery, it’s best to treat the underlying cause rather than rely on hormone therapy.

4.
Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic dysfunction is also the result of a heavy sugar and processed foods diet. Metabolic Syndrome X specifically relates to insulin resistance. Obesity is considered a marker (not the cause) of a number of metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and polycystic ovarian syndrome.
As pointed out by Dr. Lustig, author of The Real Truth About Sugar, not all calories are equal. Whether the calorie comes from fructose, glucose, protein or fat is important to its metabolic effect and how much fat you accumulate from that calorie. If metabolic dysfunction is at the route of your excess weight, a low-moderate calorie diet and exercise plan may not be enough to shed the pounds.[1]

5.
Emotional Imbalance
There is no question that overeating has an emotional component and that both negative and positive feelings can trigger poor eating habits. Even if the food is healthy, too much of anything is usually not a good thing. It’s always important to eat until you’re full (eating slowly to give your body time to register that it’s had enough), just not until you are stuffed. However, by bringing awareness to your eating patterns and working on ways to address emotional imbalances, you can begin to reduce overall food consumption to a level that is healthy for you.

[1] Mercola, J. (2012, April 30). The hidden reason you get flabby (not calories or lack of exercise). Retrieved from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/04/30/fructose-and-protein-related-to-obesity.aspx

Kara wrote for HealthCentral as a patient expert for Food & Nutrition.